To the Editor,
I would like to thank the outgoing mayor, John Douglas, for his ability to serve this very divided city. Undoubtedly, it was a thankless task.
We have been going through a painful transitional period, and one would hope it is now coming to an end. There is no good reason for our population decrease—when every other town on our beautiful island is growing—except our reputation as a backward, industrial outpost.
If Canal Beach ever becomes firmly established as a recreational site, perhaps we could name it Douglas Park.
I was also pleased to read some comments by our new mayor, who said a coal port does not make any financial sense. Thank you for that thought. I will happily (at the age of a grandmother) go down to Coombs on a speeder to celebrate!
Best wishes to old and new council. May this unique Pacific outpost prosper, and finally get the respect it deserves.
Rayana Erland,
Port Alberni